Q. With reference to Indian history, consider the following statements:
1. The first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji.
2. During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, one Mongol assault marched up to Delhi and besieged the city.
3. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq temporarily lost portions of north-west of his kingdom to Mongols.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3
d) 3 only
Correct Answer: b) 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
First Mongol Invasion of India
The statement that the first Mongol invasion of India happened during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Khalji is incorrect. The actual event took place during the rule of Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, from 1211 to 1236 AD. Jalal-ud-din Khalji, the founder of the Khalji dynasty, reigned much later, from 1290 to 1296 AD. Although the Khalji period did see Mongol invasions, they were not the first.
Ala-ud-din Khalji’s Defense Against the Mongols
During the reign of Ala-ud-din Khalji, who ruled from 1296 to 1316 AD, there was indeed a significant Mongol assault. The Mongols, led by Qutlugh Khwaja, marched up to Delhi and laid siege to the city in 1303. However, Ala-ud-din Khalji successfully defended the city, forcing the Mongols to retreat. This statement is correct and highlights a pivotal moment in the history of the Delhi Sultanate’s resistance against the Mongols.
Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq and the Mongol Threat
The claim that Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq lost parts of the north-west of his kingdom to the Mongols is incorrect. His reign, from 1325 to 1351 AD, was marked by various internal issues and ambitious projects, such as relocating the capital to Daulatabad (Deogiri). While he faced rebellions and administrative challenges, there is no historical evidence of him losing territory to the Mongols. The Mongol threat had diminished by the time of his rule.
